[NATIONAL]

EU partially bans Russian oil, Jaishankar bound for East Europe

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar leaves for eastern and central Europe on Wed night for an assessment of the Ukraine war on the ground and its fall-out in the region as the EU after much hesitancy has partially banned Russian oil imports. The EU is expected to cut oil imports from Russia by 90% by the end of 2022. HT claimed that EAM will be visiting Bratislava in Slovakia and Prague in the Czech Republic, where he served as Indian envoy 2 decades ago, among other countries in the region to thank East and Central Europe countries for Operation Ganga and have a firsthand assessment of the fall-out of the Ukraine war. The visit comes after Hungarian FM met EAM in the Capital on May 27 and shared a frank discussion on the prolonged Ukraine war and its “knock-on effects” in different domains and FM conveyed the need for India to remain constantly engaged with East and Central European countries as well as the EU. With Russian forces still cementing their military claims over eastern Ukraine, the war poses a serious security threat to eastern, central, and Baltic states while business as usual for West Europe. The experts believe that Russia will negotiate with Kyiv after occupying eastern Ukraine along with an iron-clad guarantee that Kyiv will not join NATO. (here)

India, Pakistan backchannel talks continue

India and Pakistan’s backchannel talks continue at the security establishment level, something that has been on since Nov/Dec 2020. Both sides have been meeting in a 3^rd country, sometimes in Europe and sometimes in West Asia. Last year also saw such engagement, something that has been seen as a line of communication between the two sides. Earlier this year, both sides had a conversation once in a 3^rd country. It is understood that there has been an increased eagerness from Pak’s side. However, the Indian side has been maintaining a tough stance on terror and Kashmir ‘reportedly’. This comes even as Pakistan has announced the appointment of a trade minister at its high commission in Delhi, two times a Pakistan delegation has been to India this month — first for the SCO Regional Anti-Terror Structure or Rats meet, then visit for the Indus water talks. The 2-day Indus water talks in Delhi continue. Worthy to recall that the Nov/Dec 2020 talks played a key role in the Feb 2021 India Pakistan joint statement that reaffirmed the continuity of the ceasefire pact of 2001. (here)

India, Vietnam explore partnerships to support economic development, national security

India and Vietnam on Mon held the 12^th round of Political Consultations and the 9^th round of Strategic Dialogue between the foreign ministries of the two countries and explored new opportunities for partnership to support each other’s economic development and national security. MEA co-chaired the Political Consultations and the Strategic Dialogue between the foreign ministries with his counterpart, Vice Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu. MEA reaffirmed India’s position regarding Vietnam as a key partner in our Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision. He conveyed India’s readiness to continue extending development and capacity-building assistance to Vietnam through initiatives such as Quick Impact Projects, ITEC, and e-ITEC initiatives, PhD fellowships, digital connectivity, and heritage conservation. The two sides also discussed future cooperation agenda, including high-level exchanges and activities to mark the 50^th anniversary of India-Vietnam Diplomatic Relations this year. (here)

India probes ZTE, Vivo as more China firms come under scrutiny

India is probing the local units of ZTE Corp. and Vivo Mobile Communications Co. for alleged financial improprieties, according to documents seen by Bloomberg, extending an investigation into other China-based firms after fining Xiaomi Corp. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs will scrutinize auditor reports and has received information from unnamed sources that indicate potential violations including fraud. In the case of Vivo, an inquiry was sought in Apr to detect if there were “significant irregularities in ownership and financial reporting” while authorities were asked to study the books of ZTE and submit findings “on an urgent basis”. Representatives for ZTE and Vivo didn’t reply to emails seeking comment. An email to the spokesperson for the ministry of corporate affairs wasn’t answered. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has started the process of inspecting books of accounts of more than 500 Chinese companies, (source). Apart from ZTE and Vivo, this includes Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei Technologies, and several Indian units of Alibaba Group such as Alibaba.com India E-commerce Pvt. Ltd., and Alibaba Cloud (India) LLP. (here)

India organizes Def expo in Tanzania to expand defense sector footprints in Africa

India has sought to expand its defense partnership with the Southeast African state of Tanzania through a defense expo held in Dar-es-Salaam on Fri. Indian High Commission in Dar es Salaam organized a Mini-DefExpo in Dar-es-Salaam. 16 Indian companies (7 from the govt sector and 9 from the private sector) participated in the event. The Indian delegation was led by Anurag Bajpai, Joint Secretary, Indian Ministry of Defence. (here)

Govt to plug loopholes, conduct physical verification to allow wheat export

The govt on Mon issued strict new rules to ensure private exporters’ compliance with its May 13 order governing the export of wheat – which was regulated as part of India’s efforts to control domestic grain prices and ensure national food security amid the Ukraine crisis. The Ministry of Commerce said regional authorities (RAs) were practicing ‘due diligence’ for the issue of registration certificates (RCs) in the case of eligible exporters. However, some were backdating the letter of credit (LC) to before May 13 to avoid the ban, and ‘therefore more checks need to be put in the system’, the DG, Foreign Trade said. RAs have also been told to compare the date of issue of LC with that of the SWIFT transaction involving the concerned banks. Private exporters found to be flouting the law have also been warned of an investigation by the Economic Offences Wing/Central Bureau of Investigation. In efforts to further ensure compliance with the new law, the govt has also said RCs found eligible after physical verification will be sent to a 2-member committee for further checking and approval, thereafter RAs clear it will the RC be issued by the RA to the exporter. (here)

Turkey rejects Indian durum wheat shipment on phytosanitary concerns: traders

Turkey rejected an Indian wheat consignment on phytosanitary concerns on May 29, traders told S&P Global Commodity Insights on May 30. “The wheat consignment was detected with Indian Rubella disease [?] and was rejected by the Turkish ministry of agriculture and forestry,” a trader based in Istanbul said. Turkey’s agriculture ministry did not respond to queries regarding the rejection of the consignment.”There were some phytosanitary concerns about the loaded wheat, so the authorities have rejected the shipment,” a Mumbai-based trader said. Before India restricted wheat exports, traders were selling wheat for around $350/mt-$380/mt. However, prices have fallen sharply since the restrictions were imposed. (here)

Jammu and Kashmir: In another targeted attack in Kashmir, a teacher from Jammu shot dead

A teacher from Jammu was shot dead on the school campus at Gopalpora in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam on Tue in the latest in a series of targeted attacks in the region. Police said the attack scene has been cordoned off. The attack in Kulgam came amid protests by Kashmiri Pandit employees for relocation from the Valley to safer places. The protests were triggered after the killing of Rahul Bhat, a Pandit employee, in Chadoora on May 12. Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandit employees deputed in the Valley under the PM’s package for the rehabilitation of the community in 2008 have been holding sit-in protests across Kashmir. 2 terrorists killed in Awantipora encounter – Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Awantipora in South Kashmir on Tue. According to Police, an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Rajpora area of Awantipora on Mon evening. Police also recovered incriminating materials including two AK 47 rifles from the spot. The search operation is underway. Further details are awaited.

[NEIGHBORHOOD]

PM Shehbaz expresses desire to strengthen ties with the UK in various fields

During the call, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he looks forward to working with PM Shehbaz on strengthening trade, world peace, and security, and enhancing bilateral relations with Pakistan. The prime minister appreciated the positive role played by 1.3 million Pakistanis living in the UK. He also emphasized the need for strengthening cooperation in the fields of legal migration to fully realize the potential. He also urged intensifying efforts to avert the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the importance of releasing the frozen assets of Afghanistan to stabilize its economy. (here)

Pakistani Army, not govt, to call shots over the appointment of the next chief

With the race for the appointment of Pakistan’s new Army Chief on, it is highly likely that PM Shehbaz Sharif, who is constitutionally permitted to select the Chief, will not play any role and the Army itself will call the shots. The Pakistani Army, not only decides on who will be the new Army Chief, but also on all activities relating to the govt. The Army remained neutral on the ouster of the former PM but now it seems to be taking a U-turn and getting back to its old game. Pakistan’s economy which is in shambles with rising inflation is also a matter at hand that concerns the Army. There is good reason for the Army to be worried because without money their survival is at stake. Meanwhile, it also seems to be clear that PM will act on the directions of the Pak Army. The recent shift in the national politics was widely reported as triggered by power play between Imran Khan and leading figures in the country’s military establishment — Army Chief, and the former ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed. Hameed, who was widely expected to replace Bajwa, got replaced in Oct by Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmad Anjum against Imran Khan’s wishes. (here)

‘Attack on Centre’: Interior minister warns of ‘strict’ action against PTI in case of long march

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Tue warned of “strict action” against the PTI in case they initiate their long march again as committed by former prime minister Imran Khan. Addressing a press conference, the interior minister termed the incidents that took place on May 25 an “attack on the Centre”, adding that the federal cabinet has formed a committee to investigate the incidents of that day. (here)

Islamabad, TTP agree on an indefinite ceasefire

The government of Pakistan and the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have agreed to extend the ceasefire, this time, indefinitely and continue negotiations to find an end to the nearly two decades of militancy in the tribal border region, it has been reliably learned. The extension in a ceasefire, which was to come to an end last night, indicates significant progress in talks between the two sides in the Afghan capital Kabul, sources familiar with the development said. (Sources)- the two sides had agreed to extend the ceasefire and continue peace talks following separate meetings with Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund, Acting Prime Minister of the ‘Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA)’ at his office the other day. (here)

EU hints at a continuation of Pakistan’s GSP+ status after 2023

A senior European Union diplomat on Monday indicated that the ‘GSP Plus (Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus) status beyond 2023 is possible for Pakistan’ as the new government is committed to showing compliance with the high EU requirements, a local media reported, quoting Deputy Chief of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Pakistan Thomas Seiler. Addressing the ‘Human Rights Reforms in Sindh- GSP Plus and Beyond’ conference, Seiler said that in the next phase of the scheme there would be more international conventions and covenants, Dawn reported. The event was organized by the Sindh human rights department and was attended by human rights activists, government officers, public representatives, civil society and labor rights activists, and minorities’ representatives.(here)

Concern expressed over pathetic conditions of primary schools in AJK

The concern is expressed over the pathetic conditions of primary schools at the union council level in AJK where students are compelled to sit on the ground below the open sky with no washrooms and clean drinking water facilities besides furniture. There is an acute shortage of teachers as well. The situation is alarming and should be addressed on a war footing. Unfortunately, political leaders do keep claiming that the literacy rate in AJK is more than in any other province of Pakistan but the truth is different. We still have the Pass-Fail system and the standard/level of education is completely ignored. People are forced to move to urban areas from villages to provide proper education to their children. The Government should resolve this issue on the highest priority and then claim whatever they want. (Siasat)

Taiwan air force suspends training after the second fatal jet accident in 2022

REUTERS – Taiwan’s air force suspended flight training of new pilots on Tue (May 31) after a jet trainer crashed killing its pilot, the defense ministry said, the second fatal accident the air force has experienced in 2022. The ministry said the AT-3 jet crashed during a training mission from the Gangshan airbase in the southern city of Kaohsiung and the body of the pilot had already been found. The AT-3 is a domestically-developed advanced trainer that first flew in 1980 and can carry weapons. President Tsai Ing-wen has instructed the Def Ministry to investigate what happened. In past, Mirage 2000 fighter jet crashed into the southeast coast (Mar), while the air force suspended combat training for its F-16 fleet after a fighter jet crashed into the sea in Jan. Last year, 2 F-5E fighters crashed into the sea. In 2020 an F-16 vanished shortly after taking off from Taiwan’s east coast. While Taiwan’s air force is well trained, it has been strained from repeatedly scrambling to see off Chinese military aircraft in the past years, though the accidents have not been linked in any way [YET] to intercept activities. (here)

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen says the US National Guard planning ‘cooperation’ with the island’s military

The United States is planning “cooperation” between its National Guard and Taiwan’s military, the island’s President Tsai Ing-wen said on Tue, deepening security ties in the face of what Taipei’s govt complains is a rising threat from mainland China. The US is Taiwan’s most important international supporter and arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties. China has been stepping up its military activities near Taiwan to assert its sovereignty claims. The island’s leader made the comments during a meeting with visiting US Senator Tammy Duckworth. (here)

US’ China strategy a path to confrontation, Beijing warns

The US strategy towards China has pushed the two powers into confrontation, threatening turmoil for other nations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned on Tue. Wang said the US must choose the right course in its relations with China by abandoning its cold war mentality and managing differences between the two countries. Addressing an online seminar looking at the role of former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger in improving China-US ties, Wang accused Washington of disrupting peace in the Taiwan Strait, and for deciding the two countries were rivals. Addressing an online seminar looking at the role of former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger in improving China-US ties, Wang accused Washington of disrupting peace in the Taiwan Strait, and for deciding the two countries were rivals. Kissinger says the risk of conflict is growing as technology advances. In addition, a US delegation led by US Senator Tammy Duckworth arrived in Taipei on Mon in a previously unannounced visit, triggering a protest from the Chinese embassy in Washington. In his speech, Wang said if the US kept its move on Taiwan, it would fundamentally undermine peace across the Taiwan Strait. “And it will eventually bring harm to the US itself,” he said. (here)

China’s third aircraft carrier ‘to be launched on Dragon Boat Festival’

A shipyard in Shanghai appears to be preparing to launch China’s third aircraft carrier, the Type 003, and according to a military source, it will take place this Fri – coinciding with the Dragon Boat Festival. The Maritime Safety Administration last Fri issued a notice calling for berths to be cleared for an operation at the No 3 and No 4 docks at the Jiangnan Shipyard on Changxing Island, where the warship is under construction. It said the operation would be underway from 5.30 am to 4 pm on Mon and would involve five platforms, three tugboats, and two salvage ships. Military insider says it will take place on Friday and that the vessel ‘needs to go into sea trials as soon as possible’ (here)